§ 18. Colonel Stoddart-Scottasked the Assistant Postmaster-General if normal postal arrangements have yet been established with Hong Kong; and how long does it take for a letter to reach Hong Kong from this country.
§ Mr. BurkeYes, Sir. Letter services were restored to Hong Kong on the 28th of September last by both air and surface route, and all classes of correspondence may now be sent up to the normal limits of weight. It is hoped shortly to restore the parcel post also. Letters are at present taking about 13 days to reach Hong Kong by air and 46 days by surface route.
§ Colonel Stoddart-ScottIs the hon. Gentleman's Department responsible for bringing home the mail of the Forces, as some letters take no less than 25 days to reach this country?
§ Mr. Walter FletcherDoes not the Minister agree that his difficult task would be made much easier if civil administration were re-established in Hong Kong?